Most People Don’t Know How These 13 Towns In Colorado Got Their Start

You know the towns… but do you know how they got their start or why they were given their name? If you don’t, you are not alone. Fortunately, we will be learning the abridged history of 13 Colorado towns, including:

"Quality Of Life Is Our Commitment" has been the city of Montrose's motto since it became incorporated in 1882, and for good reason. The town (which was named for the novel "A Legend of Montrose") has served as an important regional shipping center for the famed Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, as well as a historically vital area for agriculture.

Steamboat Springs hasn't always been home to ski bums and beautiful resorts; in fact, Steamboat was originally home to Yampatikas Utes until European-American trappers began moving through the area in the early 1800s. When the town was officially settled in 1874, the remaining Yampatikas Utes were forced out of the area and onto reservations in Utah. Steamboat Springs was later incorporated in 1900.

Talk about an honest mistake... The town of Burlington was accidentally laid out one mile west of its present-day location in 1887 by a man who had anticipated the arrival of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. The railroad arrived shortly thereafter and built their depot on the land that was (actually) allotted for the town. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad began running through Burlington in 1888.

Any guesses as to what Fort Morgan used to be? If you guessed a military fort, you'd be correct! In fact, the old "Camp Wardwell" was established in 1865 to protect those traveling along the Overland Trail. The next year, the area was renamed Fort Morgan and remained open until 1868. The town itself came to be in 1884.

This western town sure lives up to their motto of "Honor the Past, Envision the Future"... so much so that the town pays homage to their original settlers (AKA dinosaurs) through numerous museums, prehistoric sites, and trails that allow guests to get up close and personal with the past.

How did the city of Lamar get its name? Why, after Secretary of the Interior Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar II (in hopes of having the area named a land office), of course! (Did the plan work? Sadly, no.)

Annie is a freelance writer, content editor, and marketing whiz with a background in broadcasting and a passion for chicken nachos. When she isn't gushing about her love of Colorado, you can find her chasing after her two adorable sons and/or dreaming up a new home improvement project for her husband.